There are seasons in our walk with the Lord when the battles within our minds seem heavier than the burdens we carry in our daily lives. Even when our hearts desire to remain faithful, we can find ourselves wrestling with thoughts and feelings that challenge our peace, weaken our resolve, and draw our attention away from the One who has never stopped loving us. It seems at times that we still have the burdens of our chains that keep us from carrying our cross. Yet, in the midst of these struggles, we must remember that our weaknesses do not place us beyond the reach of God’s grace, nor do our struggles diminish His faithfulness toward us.
There are thoughts that come into my mind, almost every day lately, that seem to control me more than I am able to control them. It is only moments at a time, but the feelings are intense and disheartening. I try to take “Every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” but there are times when the flesh wins out.
Thoughts of my past sins, past relationships, past experiences, and the worldly fun that all kept me at a distance from God, and today, causes me to think back towards the world which I left and found no fulfillment in, only fleshly desires that lead me to feel like a failure. There are moments when I seem to be living more in the past than I am in the present, and not really caring about the future. This is not where I want to “live” ever, but it is where I “visit” more often than I should.
I regularly look to God’s word to help me get through these moments of weakness, doubt, loneliness, and despair. To help me refocus, I look to verses like what is written in Philippians 4:8 Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].
In life we all may have an unspeakable secret, an irreversible regret, an unreachable dream, or an unforgettable love. There are times when I feel vulnerable about all those things, there are times when I am afraid to move forward, but there are never times when I don’t feel God’s love, grace, and mercy that helps me endure what I am going through.
As Christians, we must battle with all our might to stay close to the Lord Jesus in these trying times like our lives depend upon it, because they do. We must learn to recognize when our thoughts are leading us back into places where God has already brought us through, and humbly seek His strength to redirect our hearts toward His truth. We cannot always change what comes into our minds, but with God’s help, we can choose what we dwell upon, what we nurture in our hearts, and where we turn when the struggle becomes overwhelming.
I like what Charles Spurgeon said, “Great thoughts of your sin alone will drive you to despair; but great thoughts of Christ will pilot you into the haven of peace.”
Compassion isn’t merely telling someone that everything will be all right. Sometimes it means staying with the uncomfortable truth long enough to understand what actually needs attention. I don’t simply share what I know from Scripture; I share what life has taught you about needing Scripture. I open my life to others because I hope that something God has brought me through might help someone else find their way. You do not have to deny where you have been yesterday to remain faithful to where God is leading you today. You are still here. You still have people to love. You still have opportunities to serve. And you can still choose, today, to reflect the Savior you love.
For those who are like-minded, those who struggle with the past as well as the present, please pray for me as I pray for you all who stand with me united together in the hope of the coming of the Lord Jesus. Let us encourage one another to keep our eyes fixed on Christ, especially when our own strength feels insufficient and the road ahead seems uncertain. None of us should have to carry these burdens in silence, for we are called to bear one another’s burdens and remind each other of the hope we have in Him.
If you are fighting battles that others cannot see, please know that you are not alone, forgotten, or beyond the reach of God’s redeeming love. There is room in the family of God for the weary, the wounded, the repentant, and those who are still learning how to walk faithfully through their struggles. May we continue to stand together in faith, extending grace to one another as we wait with hope and expectation for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Heavenly Father, I ask that You draw near to all who are struggling with painful memories, troubling thoughts, loneliness, regret, and the weight of battles that others may never see. Please quiet our hearts, renew our minds through Your Word, and give us the strength to resist the temptations that seek to pull us away from You. Help us to remember that our past does not have the final word, that Your grace is sufficient for our weaknesses, and that we are never beyond the reach of Your love and mercy. Lord Jesus, hold each of us close, teach us to encourage and pray for one another, and keep our hearts steadfast in the blessed hope of Your coming by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog
Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*
To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.
